Thokoza NPO aims to assist child-headed families

Feast of the Nation Organisation (FOTNO) is a new NGO from Thokoza that hopes to change the lives of many children in the township, with support from the communities.

The NPO was formed by Sibongile Mgcina, Natty Molefe, Stephen Letshedi and Teboho Twala to help children who live with parents who are suffering from alcohol and drug abuse as well as child-headed families.

FOTNO’s board members include chairperson Molefe, deputy chairperson Stephen Letshedi, secretary Mgcina, safety and security convenor Teboho Twala, treasurer Nthabiseng Nhlapho, deputy secretary Sibongile Gumede, organiser Cindy Dlame and deputy organiser Pearl Mkhwanazi.

Their vision is to build a daycare centre where they will be able to teach learners and help learners with homework and create jobs for their unemployed members.

Mgcina said they are fairly new and still organising their paperwork. They are already encountering financial constraints.

“We are working on the NPO’s bank account, CIPI certificate and social services certificate because eventually, we want to establish a daycare centre. We still have to get a tax exemption certificate, which requires R3 000.”

“We held our first fundraiser event in September, where we raised R500. The second one was a cleaning campaign at Kwanele Section, Katlehong, where we made R700,” said Mgcina.

“As a teacher, I have a child in my class whose parents are addicted to drugs. We want to cater to those children to talk to, help with their school work and ensure that they are neat.”

She said they intend to continue with their cleaning campaign as it will be part of their agenda at the organisation’s AGM.

FOTNO will host their AGM, including the year closing party and pyjama party, on November 5 as part of fundraising.

For more information about FONTO or the fundraiser event contact Mgcina on 078 735 0806.